The “heat” of a blend will vary, as the other seasonings cut the spiciness of the chili. Typically, the chilis used in blends are either red chili peppers or cayenne peppers.

Sometimes chili powder is referred to according to the pepper used. Common varieties include chipotle, jalapeño, cayenne, chile de árbol, New Mexico, Cheongyang, pasilla, Aleppo, ancho, and piri piri chili peppers.